NORMAL ROUTE
OF ACONCAGUA
The Normal Route of Aconcagua
What Is It and Why Choose It?
The Normal Route is the most commonly used ascent route on Aconcagua and the starting point for the vast majority of mountaineers attempting to reach the highest summit in the Americas for the first time. The route begins in the Horcones sector of Aconcagua Provincial Park and climbs to the summit at 6,962 m via the Horcones Inferior Valley, the Plaza de Mulas Base Camp, and the intermediate camps of Nido de Cóndores and Cólera.
Unlike other routes on Aconcagua, the Normal Route does not involve technical climbing sections. The ascent is completed using trekking poles, with crampons required on the final sections. However, it demands excellent physical fitness, gradual acclimatization, and the ability to manage altitude sickness at elevations above 6,000 meters. This is a serious expedition, not an extended hike.
What’s Included in the Guided
Normal Route Expedition?
The Andesport guided expedition is a complete package
covering everything you need in the mountains:
and from Mendoza to the airport.
in downtown Mendoza. Double room with
continental breakfast included.
to Aconcagua Provincial Park.
Dinner and continental breakfast included.
to Plaza de Mulas and back (in/out).
trek to the mountain.
Includes a cook and all meals.
our camps.
from base camp.
Base Camp. Includes a private dining tent with tables,
chairs, tableware, and a cook.
or sleeping tents.
at base camps.
Penitentes, and Base Camp.
tents at Base Camp, stoves, cooking equipment,
medical kits, radios, pulse oximeters,
fuel, and more.
· Mountain rescue insurance (mandatory)
· Personal equipment: backpack, technical clothing, boots, crampons
(Detailed list available upon booking).
· Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses
· Personal porters
Welcome to Mendoza! You will be met at the airport and transferred to our comfortable hotel in the heart of Mendoza. This day is planned for you to relax or enjoy the city. In the evening, you will meet the expedition leader and the other expedition members for dinner at one of Mendoza's best restaurants, where you can taste traditional Argentine cuisine.
Note: Meals included in the cost are specified as breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
We will take care of any remaining equipment needs and shopping. Around midday, we will head to our comfortable hotel in Penitentes, at 2,500 m, featuring a private bathroom and hot water. Half board is included (breakfast and dinner).
You will be transferred to the entrance of the Aconcagua Normal Route, located at an altitude of 2,820 m, where your park permit will be checked. We will then begin the trek to our first camp at Confluencia, at 3,320 m. The hike takes approximately 3 hours.
Acclimatization is key to increasing our chances of success on the mountain. We will trek to Plaza Francia and then return to Confluencia. Along the way, we will enjoy spectacular views of Aconcagua's South Face. The trek takes approximately 5 hours.
Leaving Confluencia, we will trek to Plaza de Mulas, our base camp for the Aconcagua Normal Route expedition, located at 4,200 m. Reaching base camp is a great achievement, as it is already close to the altitude of the Alps. Welcome to your home in the mountains!
To maximize our chances of successful acclimatization, we will explore the surroundings of the Aconcagua Normal Route base camp and take time to rest.
To improve our chances of success on the mountain, we will ascend Mount Bonete, reaching an altitude of approximately 5,000 m, before returning to Plaza de Mulas.
Today, we will carry our equipment to Camp 1, also known as Canada Camp, at 4,877 m. We will then return to Plaza de Mulas.
To maximize our chances of acclimatization, we will explore the surroundings of the Aconcagua Normal Route base camp and take a day to rest.
We will leave Plaza de Mulas and head to Camp 1 (4,877 m), carrying the rest of our equipment. The high-camp phase of the expedition begins here. Porters can be hired to help carry your equipment.
We will continue our ascent, carrying equipment to Camp 2, also known as Nido de Cóndores, at 5,365 m. The camp is named after the magnificent local birds that once nested here. We will then return to Canada Camp.
Today is a time to rest or explore the surrounding area.
We will move up to Cólera Camp, our next high-altitude camp, in preparation for the summit attempt.
We will leave Cólera Camp in the early hours of the morning to begin our summit attempt on Aconcagua via the Normal Route. After reaching the summit, at 6,962 m, we will descend to Cólera Camp.
Following the same route, we will descend from Cólera Camp to Plaza de Mulas Base Camp.
The mules will carry our equipment ahead while we complete the final stretch of our trek back to the park entrance. From there, we will be transferred to our comfortable hotel in Penitentes, where we can celebrate our climb.
Depending on the time we leave the park and the trail conditions, an additional night in Penitentes may be necessary, with the transfer to Mendoza taking place the following morning.
Our tour ends after breakfast, followed by a transfer to the airport.
This additional day is reserved in case adverse weather conditions affect our ascent.
A second additional day is reserved in case adverse weather conditions affect our ascent.
The program may be modified by Andesport or the lead guide, who may add or remove days depending on the conditions.
Intermediate / Advanced on the Normal Route — no technical climbing.
6.962 m
Excellent. Proven cardiovascular endurance through activities such as running, cycling, and mountaineering.
Crampons, technical clothing, trekking poles, double boots, helmet, and radio.
Completing high-altitude expeditions with overnight stays above 4,000–5,000 m is highly recommended.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
about the Aconcagua Normal Route
The standard program lasts between 18 and 20 days, including acclimatization days and weather contingency days. The exact duration depends on mountain conditions and the group's pace.
No. The Normal Route does not require technical rock or ice climbing skills. However, crampons and an ice axe are needed on the final sections, with instruction from our guides. Experience carrying equipment over several days is also necessary.
The official season runs from December to February. December and January are generally the best months in terms of weather stability.
Yes. You can combine your Aconcagua expedition with climbs of other mountains in Mendoza, such as Mercedario, Tupungato, or Cerro Plata. Contact us to put together an itinerary based on your goals and availability.
Reaching the summit is the goal, but the mountain has the final say. Our guides make safety decisions based on the group's condition and weather conditions. Turning back in time is part of the experience.
The price does not include the climbing permit fee, but we help you arrange it. Assistance with obtaining the entry permit for Aconcagua Provincial Park is included in the guided expedition package.
Yes! Many of our clients come on their own and end up making mountaineering friends here. Our expeditions are designed for solo travelers, groups, and couples. Our goal is to bring a team together, not just a group!
The Aconcagua Normal Route is the most popular way to reach the highest point in
the Americas for a reason: it is the most direct,
safest route, offering the best balance
between challenge and technical accessibility.
With Andesport, you benefit from 35 years of expedition
experience. Contact us today and let's start
planning your ascent together.